Northern Cardinal

A Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a medium-sized songbird native to North and Central America. It is one of the most familiar birds in the eastern United States, known for the male's brilliant red plumage and its distinctive crest. 🐦

The male Northern Cardinal is a stunningly vibrant red bird with a black mask around its beak and a prominent, pointed crest on its head. The female is a more subdued brownish color with reddish accents on her wings, crest, and tail. Both sexes have a thick, cone-shaped, orange-red beak, which is well-suited for cracking seeds.

Cardinals are found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, suburban gardens, and backyards. They do not migrate and are year-round residents in their range. They are common visitors to bird feeders and have a diet that consists of seeds, fruits, and insects.

The Northern Cardinal is a very vocal bird, and both males and females sing. They have a variety of songs and calls, often described as a series of loud, clear whistles, such as "cheer-cheer-cheer" or "birdie-birdie-birdie." The female's ability to sing is a unique trait among North American songbirds.